Time to go . . . The cloud lifts slightly to reveal Coniston
Old Man as we walk north towards the road at Hardknott Pass.

They've cleared a lot of forestry here and there are plans
to revert this area to broadleaf woodland.

Damp conditions underfoot - all the way.

Looking back into the sun at Harter Fell, from
across the un-named tarn near the road.

Round Peathill Crag and we get a clear view down Eskdale
once again.

The road winds it's way down the steep pass. On the hillside
opposite is the old Roman Fort, it's walls and green grass just visible
from here.

Hairpin Bends on the road below,

the true 1:4 steepness doesn't show well.

The reflections were caused by surface water

and that water gave several cars a slight problem of traction

as they rounded the steepest bends.

We didn't follow the road down, but instead we kept right
and crossed the fell side to a broad, almost level patch of ground.

This is believed to be the old parade ground for the Roman
Fort of Mediobogdvm, or Hardknott as it is now known.

I walked ahead . . .

walking west . . .

into the sunset !

" One man and his dog "

Looking back from the parade ground, that sunshine lights
up Hardknott Fell behind us.

Down at the North Eastern gate to the fort now, looking
back at the road as it climbs to the head of the valley.

Our route takes us down through the fort .

Quite a lot of the outer wall remains. In the foreground
are the foundations of the Granary Store.

The Northwestern Gateway looks out over Upper Eskdale
towards the snow covered peaks. In the olden days there would have been
a gateway and sentries patrolling the entrance. Hold your cursor over
the gateway above to picture the scene . . .

The foundations mark the site of the Corner Tower overlooking
the valley below.

The same corner of the wall from the outside.

The slight black layer in the wall are slates which mark
the height of the wall as it was found in the recent past.

The archaeologists partially rebuilt it when excavating
the site.

This is a Herdwick Sheep.

They like to gather in large flocks and block
the path ahead.

As you move forward, they move forward.

Until they reach the road . . . then they block
the road as well !

Alls well that ends well.

A scissors movement by myself and the dogs sends them
back onto the fell and clear of the road.

Complicated things sheep !

Four hours almost to the minute after leaving, we return
to the car - just as the sun was setting behind Kepple Crags.

Good timing and a good walk.

- - - o o o - - -

Post script :

For those of you that know the Eskdale campsites,
Hollins Farm has just taken delivery of a collection of "Hobbit"
Houses.